Hiking Local Trails Requires Planning

As part of their normal duties, firefighters at Stations 23 and 69 on Sunset often facilitate airlifts for stranded hikers in the Santa Monica Mountains. Captain Dan Thompson (Station 23) and his fellow firefighters want to remind people that even if a hike up to the waterfall in Temescal Canyon seems simple and doesn’t require planning, common sense and a few preventive measures should still be used: 1. Know where you plan to hike and the difficulty of that trek. If you are unfamiliar with the trail, research the route and approximate the time that it will take. Several years ago, several hikers got lost on the trail that links Will Rogers State Park and Temescal Gateway Park, which necessitated a search party. The cost of the rescue efforts could have been avoided if these hikers had used a map or checked with a park ranger. 2. Be aware of the local wildlife, especially rattlesnakes, and learn how to avoid them. 3. Weather changes during this time of year can be dramatic, so dress accordingly. Before dusk, the sun on the mountains can be hot, which means that overdressing can lead to overheating. After dusk, the temperature drop can cause discomfort to people who are unprepared and become stranded. 4. Always bring water and, if you are hiking with children, make sure they are drinking it, too. During hot afternoons, dehydration is a dangerous possibility. 5. NEVER HIKE ALONE. There is a greater chance of becoming lost or sustaining injury hiking alone, so go with a buddy or a group. Additionally, always tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you plan to return. 6. Carry a small flashlight or a light stick. ‘It helps us find people at night,’ Thompson said. 7.’Firefighters have seen many people hiking through the local mountains carrying only their cell phones. ‘They’re relying on the phone to get them out of trouble,’ Thompson said, ‘but there’s no reception in many areas of the mountains.””””’ Following a few simple tips can help keep a hike fun and prevent it from turning into an unplanned airlift.